The Paper is a creative blog from The Paper Mill Store
16 effortless paper christmas decorations

16 Effortless Paper Christmas Decorations

There are only 21 days till Christmas! For planners and procrastinators alike, time is running out to get ready for the holiday. Between shopping for your loved ones, planning your menu, and juggling your holiday parties, decking your halls can easily fall through the cracks.

Instead of blowing your holiday budget on store-bought decorations, try making your own! It costs less, and it’s a great way to get your family into the holiday spirit.

Here are some of our favorite holiday paper crafts and Christmas decorations:

1.  Swedish Paper Stars

These intricate paper stars are a classic holiday decoration in Sweden, and it’s easy to see why. They’ll look beautiful hanging in your windows, from your ceiling, or above your holiday table.

Swedish Paper Stars Christmas Decorations

All you need to do is print the template! Download the template from The House That Lars Built. Try using this textured white cardstock.

2.  Oversized Holly and Berries Garland

This oversized garland is a guaranteed holiday stunner.

Oversized Holly Berry Garland Christmas Decorations

Hang it from your bannisters, mantelpiece, or anywhere you want to add some extra festive charm. Simply follow this tutorial.

These papers are perfect for your garland:

Treasures Cardinal Red Card Stock
ColorMates Smooth & Silky Spring Green Card Stock
ColorMates Deep Emerald Isle Card Stock
 

3.  Metallic Paper Wreath

Say goodbye to picking up fragments of your wreath every time you open and shut your front door. This wreath by Lia Griffith looks beautiful and will stay looking fresh and green all season long.

Metallic Paper Christmas Wreath Decorations

Try using these metallic papers:

Curious Metallics Red Lacquer Card Stock
Elan Metallics White Quartz Card Stock
 
Stardream Fairway Card Stock
Curious Metallics Botanic Card Stock
Stardream Emerald Card Stock

Follow Lia’s tutorial.

4.  Paper Birds

Add some life to your Christmas tree! These paper birds are easy to make and look lovely nestled amongst your tree branches. You could even make a larger one and use it as your tree topper.

Paper Birds Christmas Decorations

Here’s how to make them. Try using this white card stock.

5.  Folded Fir Tree

These folded paper fir trees are perfect for hanging or for displaying on your table or mantle. And they’re easy to make, which makes them the perfect craft for your kids.

Folded Paper Fir Tree Christmas Decorations

Learn how to make them. This green paper is perfect.

6.  Woven Paper Balls Garland

You can never have too much garland around the holidays! Whether they’re hung on your tree, from your railings, or anywhere else in your home, these woven paper balls are a lovely addition to your Christmas decorations.

Woven Paper Balls Garland Christmas Decorations

Make your own woven garland using this tutorial by How About Orange. Try using these bright holiday colors:

 
Treasures Cardinal Red Card Stock
CutMates White Flour Card Stock
Astrobrights Terra Green Card Stock

7.  Faceted Vase

Display your paper flowers in festive style with this beautiful faceted vase.

Faceted Paper Vase Christmas Decorations

Here’s how to make your own. This silver cardstock will perfectly complement anything you choose to display.

8.  Swirly Paper Tree Ornaments

These swirly ornaments will add unique shape and texture to your holiday tree.

Swirly Paper Tree Ornaments Christmas Decorations

Follow this tutorial to make your own. Try using double-sided red or green cardstock.

9.  Quilled Snowflakes

Paper quilling is elegant, intricate, and perfect for the holidays.

Quilled Paper Snowflakes Christmas Decorations

Learn how to create your own quilled paper snowflakes. Try using this metallic silver or metallic blue cardstock.

10.  Paper Wall Stars

Get star stuck this Christmas! Add some holiday cheer to blank walls with these easy paper stars.

Paper Wall Stars Christmas Decorations

Get the tutorial at Kate’s Creative Space. Here are some great papers:

Curious Metallics Red Lacquer Card Stock
Elan Metallics White Quartz Card Stock
ColorMates Deep Emerald Isle Card Stock
ColorMates Smooth & Silky Spring Green Card Stock

11.  Paper Lanterns

Create some ambience at home this holiday season with these beautiful paper lanterns by Lia Griffith.

Paper Lanterns Christmas Decorations

They’ll look great on your tables or mantelpiece all winter long. Here’s how to make them. Try using this white card stock.

12.  Paper Christmas Lights Garland

These paper Christmas lights are the perfect way to add holiday cheer without jacking up your electricity bill.

Paper Christmas Lights Garland Decorations

They’re super easy to make – just follow this tutorial by Stubbornly Crafty. Use any color you like! Here are some of our favorites:

ColorMates Textures Red Denim Card Stock
ColorMates Deep Sunshine Yellow Card Stock
Exact Brights Bright Tangerine Card Stock
Treasures Pool Card Stock

13.  3D Paper Tree

You can never have too many paper trees! This one is especially unique.

3D Paper Christmas Tree Cutout Decoration

Download the printable template and create your own intricate cutout tree. Try hanging it from your ceiling! This green card stock is perfect for the job.

14.  Paper Holly Wall Art

Create a festive backdrop for your holiday photos or simply create your own festive masterpiece with this tutorial for Paper Holly Wall Art by Snow & Graham.

Holly Wall Christmas Decorations

All you need is paper! These green and red card stocks are just right.

15.  Paper Poinsettias

No holiday is complete without poinsettias! Paper poinsettias are a no maintenance alternative to this traditional holiday plant.

Paper Poinsettia Christmas Decorations

Follow Lia Griffith’s tutorial and use this green and red card stock.

16.  Santa and Reindeer Garland

Let Santa know he’s welcome! This adorable garland is perfect for your fireplace.

Reindeer Garland Christmas Decorations

Download the templates and try using these card stocks:

ColorMates Textures Red Denim Card Stock
Kraft Brown Card Stock
Cascata Chocolate Card Stock

Christmas is Coming!

We’ve all been there. Suddenly it’s only a few weeks till Christmas arrives, and you realize your home is woefully lacking in festive cheer. Don’t fret – creating your own holiday decorations is a quick, easy, and economical way to get into the holiday spirit!

Happy Holidays!

Steph Schinkel

Steph is an avid crafter, DIY enthusiast, and regular contributor to The Paper who loves to handmake all of her cards. Above all else, Steph is a die-hard foodie with a massive sweet tooth and a deep, soul-consuming love for chocolate.